Navy and burgundy is the pairing I think of when the evenings start getting dark early. It's deep and warm, like red wine on a dark blue tablecloth, and it looks polished without trying too hard.

Navy is the calm base, and it looks richer in wool, cashmere and corduroy than in flat cotton. Khaite's Jackson sweater in Midnight Navy is a relaxed knit with a collar, and the Lorelai sweater is short-sleeved and cropped. Skall's Dean polo sweater is oversized merino at $625. Simkhai's Kacey shirt is cotton lace with a clean collar at $173.

For the bottom half, Jil Sander's draped wool pants are wide with a fold of fabric at the side, and Frame's Le Slim Palazzo pants are wide-leg navy corduroy at $350. Comme des Garçons Girl's gathered midi skirt is a full navy shape. Simkhai's Beaux dress is sheer organza with ruffles, for an evening.

Choose navy that's dark enough to read almost black. Brighter navy starts to look sporty next to burgundy. A navy sweater tucked into wide navy trousers is a good base for any burgundy piece you add.

Burgundy is the warm half, and I like it in the pieces you wear most: sweaters and trousers.

Róhe's wool sweater is a relaxed burgundy V-neck, and Blazé Milano's Highland polo sweater has gold buttons. Altuzarra's Callahan skirt is long burgundy cashmere with buttons down the front, which is about as cozy as a skirt gets.

For trousers, Nili Lotan's Joan pants are paneled burgundy leather, and Giuliva Heritage's The Other Smoking pants are a sharp pleated crepe. Róhe's Bruun pants are wide-leg corduroy at $620, and Nili Lotan's Shon pants are a relaxed barrel leg at $450. Veronica Beard's Alora lace tank is $200 and looks lovely under a navy cardigan.

Leather and corduroy give burgundy a lived-in feel, while cashmere and crepe look sharper, so choose based on where you're going. The Callahan skirt with the Jackson sweater and flat boots is a whole outfit I'd wear to work.

A navy sweater with burgundy trousers is the outfit I'd try first. It looks like you planned it.

Oxblood shoes and bags are what make navy look richer. They do the job black would, but with more warmth.

Saint Laurent's 77 knee boots are glossy burgundy leather on a high heel, and Alaïa's Criss Cross flats are calf hair with leather straps. Bottega Veneta's Charlotte ballet flats are woven intrecciato leather, and Amina Muaddi's Lupita sandals are suede on a sculpted heel.

For bags, Balenciaga's Le City is the crinkled-leather shoulder bag with studs and a small mirror. Khaite's Small Joan hobo is smooth oxblood, and the Lori bag is squared-off crackle patent. Mansur Gavriel's Mini Candy bag is croc-embossed at $595.

Oxblood ballet flats work with cropped navy trousers, and knee boots go under a navy midi skirt. If you already own black shoes you love, try one burgundy pair first and see how often you reach for it.

Burgundy shoes with navy trousers is the easiest place to start. You'll wear them more than you expect.